Press Release – Wellington City Council
Artist and teacher Mary Whalley will be holding a two-day sculpture event at the Jack Ilott Green by Civic Square this weekend, and another in Glover Park on 23 and 24 February.

Mary aims to encourage people to take ownership of public spaces. She says she wants people to make artworks that they would like to see in their local parks. “I hope this project will open up a discussion about the politics and possibilities of public art.”

A sculpture table will be set up and people will be able make their own temporary sculptures on the Saturday, which will then go on display on the Sunday. She held one of these successful weekend events in Aro Valley last year.

“Altogether, about 30 sculptures were made over the weekend. Aro Valley has such a strong sense of community. They really utilise their park; people really enjoyed sitting down and making something together.”

Mary’s project is supported by Wellington City Council through the Public Art Fund.

“Funding is crucial for providing quality material for people to make their sculptures, which is expensive, and therefore removing barriers to participation and ensuring we create sculptures participants are pleased with ,” she says.

Mary says the temporary nature of the works and how they’re created is important.

“It’s maybe something to counteract the large bronze statues that are permanent. It’s temporary – like an ‘urban sandcastle’. I also like the way people have to give something of themselves and have to take a participatory role.”

If you’d like to take part and make your own temporary sculpture come down to the Jack Ilott Green, by Civic Square, between 10am and 3pm on 26 January, or to Glover Park between 10am and 3pm on 23 February. Sculptures will be displayed on the Sunday 27th and 23rd onsite at the respective parks.